An incredible event combining video, music, and fashion, Tomioka Silk Fantasia ~Festival of Silk~ will be held at the Tomioka Silk Mill, a National Treasure and World Cultural Heritage Site. The event will be held with support from the city of Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, and will run for approximately two weeks starting on October 6, 2023.

 

Guests will be able to enjoy the NAKED Yorusampo -Tomioka- and Tomioka Silk Fantasia as they explore the historic site. The special event was directed by renowned international director Junya Yamada in collaboration with NAKED Inc., which continues to captivate audiences with its digital artworks including projection mapping and illuminations.

 

<NAKED Yorusampo™ -Tomioka->

'NAKED Yorusanpo™' is an outdoor immersive night walk concept by NAKED. Previously, the unique event has been held in various regions, including the Ikaho Onsen town in Gunma Prefecture and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, to promote the nighttime economy of different areas. Even in tourist destinations where businesses tend to close early at night, this event breathes new life into the city's landmarks through illuminations and projection mapping, allowing tourists to make the most of their evenings and supporting measures for dispersed tourism.

 

Experience NAKED's grand projection mapping, lantern art, and Flower Fortune while enjoying the night at Tomioka Silk Mill, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site.

   

＜Tomioka Silk Fantasia＞

On October 14 and 15, guests can enjoy live music and a fashion show on a special stage in front of the Tomioka Silk Mill’s West Cocoon Warehouse. Live music performers include DE DE MOUSE, a composer, producer, and DJ from Gunma Prefecture; bala, a Tokyo-based creative collective of female artists and creators; and Yasushi Yamabe, a taiko drummer active both in Japan and abroad.

 

DE DE MOUSE

bala

Taishi Yamabe

 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a tour of the area between Jyoshu-Tomioka Station and Tomioka Silk Mill in cooperation with local restaurants and facilities. Please come experience a fantastic night in Tomioka City, where silk and fantasy are woven together in a fusion of images, music, and fashion, as if you have entered a different dimension.

 

Contents

 

・NAKED Distance Lanterns®

Introducing NAKED's unique art-inspired lanterns, born during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you take a leisurely stroll with one of these lanterns in hand, the ground comes alive with colors and patterns unique to each location, allowing you to be a part of the mesmerizing light display.

 

For this event, inspiration was drawn from the location of Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture, which has strong ties to the art of natural dyeing. As a result, five color variations will be available: red, blue, pink, green, and yellow, all inspired by the vibrant hues of plant-based dyes.

 

*Lantern rentals: ¥500 per turn (Tax Included)

 

・NAKED Flower Fortune®

Introducing the wildly popular art fortune-telling, NAKED Flower Fortune®, which even ranked high in domestic rapid retweets on X (formerly Twitter). Choose your favorite flower from a variety of colors and shapes, and you'll encounter the perfect message for that moment. The flower ornaments attached to the fortune can be transformed into art by tying them to a wooden branch to make the flowers bloom, making them a great souvenir to take home as a keepsake.

 

*Price: ¥500 each (Tax Included)

 

・Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse

The highlight of this event is the massive projection mapping show on the stage of the national treasure, Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse, spanning approximately 45 meters in width. As the giant silk wraps around the building, the lush flora of Tomioka bursts forth. After enjoying the changing seasons of nature, step into a nostalgic world featuring retro signs and lanterns. Experience the unique and culturally rich presentation that is characteristic of Tomioka's deep historical heritage.

・Tomioka Silk Fantasia

A special event will unfold at the Tomioka Silk Mill World Heritage site. Come enjoy an event featuring artistic direction by renowned director Junya Yamada, a mesmerizing live performance by DE DE MOUSE, a high-art fashion show that seamlessly harmonizes with  live music, and a powerful taiko drum performance by Yasushi Yamabe. Additionally, guests can enjoy an energetic performance by the creative collective girls group bala. Projection mapping will enhance the space, adding even more charm to the beautiful Tomioka Silk Mill, where history and the future intersect. From Gunma to the world, immerse yourself over the course of one special night where various cultures can come together to exchange unique experiences and celebrate.

 

・Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse Illumination

The Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse World Heritage site is illuminated, allowing visitors to savor its unique nighttime beauty that differs entirely from daytime. Enjoy the enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn't typically be able to see.

 

・The Historic Nirazuka Silk Mill Illumination

The historic Nirazuka Silk Mill is illuminated, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its beauty in a way that differs from daylight. Enjoy this enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn't typically be able to see.

 

・Tomioka Night Gourmet Stroll

A collaborative event with "Tomioka Silk Fantasia - Festival of Silk." We introduce dining and souvenir shops around Tomioka Silk Mill that are open during the event period. Enjoy delicious local cuisine unique to Tomioka.

Presale tickets are now available from ZAIKO and Rakuten Ticket.

 

Additional information will be announced in the future.

Chogakusei is a vocalist who has attracted attention for the huge gap between the mysterious atmosphere of his Venetian mask and his aggressive voice. After releasing a single in January, the artist released his first full album Cho on February 15, 2023. We sat down to chat with Chogakusei about his current mental state as he continues to build serious momentum, and about his upcoming first solo concert scheduled for March at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall.

   

The Theme of the 1st Album is ‘Diversity’

 

“The word ‘diversity’ can refer to utilizing elements from different people and cultures, but for the diversity used in this album, I focused more on breaking the rules and thinking outside of the box in a more general sense.”

 

“Since this is my first major album, I felt like it was the fulfillment of a promise. At the same time, I didn’t want to be bound by that feeling. As you listen to each track, I think you’ll find each of them very colorful. So many different people participated in writing the lyrics–for example, the song Ingel was written by Yu Shinda of BURG HAMBURG BURG, and the Vocaloid producers Surii and PinocchioP also contributed. I hope everyone who listens will take note of the diverse group of creators who worked on the album.”

  Ingel - Music Video 

 

Heading Towards his First Solo Concert ‘School Admission Briefing’

 

−You have to admit, it’s a pretty unique title for a concert, isn’t it?

 

“Since this is my first live performance period, I wanted it to have the theme of a self-introduction, so ‘School Admission Briefing’ seemed to fit, given my name. It’s an unusual title, for sure. (Laugh) I hope fans who attend will feel what it’s like to be a Chogakusei (Super Student). The details of the show are still a secret, though!”

 

A Vocal Style Inspired by Fan Comments

 

–You’re popular for your deep, aggressive voice. How did your vocal style come about?

 

“Honestly, I decided on this style after reading comments from fans posted around the time I released my cover of the song Darling. That’s when I started posting on YouTube more frequently and I got a ton of feedback. Like, people would point out the parts they liked–the minute and the second. After scrolling through all of that, I decided on my current style. In a way, how I sing was completely created by the fans.”

 

−Tons of international fans have commented on your vocal style. What’s the secret of your popularity?

 

“I’d love to know myself! (Laugh) Please tell me! In my head, I know that I have this slightly rough, low voice that leads to a more masculine singing style. I also put a lot of thought into the costumes and makeup for each song, so a lot of comments tend to focus on that too. They like my style.”

 

“I want to try styles from around the world.”

 

“I’d like to try a ton of unique styles from around the world in the future, like Chinese and Arabic styles. I’m up for the challenge of representing different countries and cultures! I hope to incorporate ideas from fans around the world too, so leave them in the comments. I don’t care what language you speak, please tell me about your country and what you’d like to see!”

FRUITS ZIPPER, an up-and-coming idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” For the past year, the girls have been transmitting what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their growing fanbase.   Recently, we sat down with the members to chat about their first year as idols since debuting in April 2022.   ーWhat has the past year been like as members of FRUITS ZIPPER?   Manaka Mana“The past year has been a year of love. I’ve learned so much about myself and see my own weaknesses more than I ever have before!I've been able to encounter emotions I wasn't even aware that I could, and I've even been able to recognize and verbalize a lot of new dreams and goals for the future!Thank you so much!”Noel Hayase“The past year has been the most packed year of my life. There was something to do every single day–it was so hectic and so fun! I could only think about how thankful I was to be part of FRUITS ZIPPER. I’m sure that we’ve all become stronger over the past year, and I want to keep working hard and expanding our activities more in the coming years!”   Amane Tsukiashi“Every day seemed to fly by. I met and talked with so many people, and I was finally able to do the job I had always dreamed of doing.”ーYou performed in Thailand this year, highlighting your slogan of 'From Harajuku to the World.' Can you tell us any fun stories from that time?   Yui Sakurai“I was so happy to see how many people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER–it was more than I could have ever imagined! So many fans told me how happy they were to meet me and it made me so thrilled!There were some fans who came from Japan too, and they joined the Thai fans to become Team Yui! I really felt like we had shared Harajuku with the world at that moment. ♡I hope that we’ll keep expanding this way and visiting fans around the world. It was such a warm and special day.”Luna Nakagawa“This was my first time performing overseas and I was nervous about how the audience would react. We weren’t well-known in Thailand, after all–but when we started singing Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, everyone sang along!The concert was so warm and the fans were so sweet, I immediately forgot that it was my first big overseas performance. I was full of adrenaline and it just turned out to be so much fun.That concert is still my best memory. I can't wait to go back to Thailand to perform again.Since our motto is ‘From Harajuku to the World,’ I hope that we can keep expanding to other countries soon!”ーDo you have any goals for the next year in terms of overseas activities?   Suzuka Chinzei“I want to do a European tour!I’m still studying German, but I’d love to try out my communication skills! 🥺 (I guess I could do that here too, but…)”Karen Matsumoto“I want to be friends with more overseas fans! 💖Honestly, I’d love to become like Kyary, an idol who is now recognized all over the world!”ーGive a message to your fans both in Japan and abroad!   Manaka Mana“In 2023, I hope that I can spend more time with fans from around the world in person! I want to become stronger and care for those important to me while growing my natural gifts!I hope you’re all looking forwards to a powered-up FRUITS ZIPPER!Let’s make 2023 a great one!" 🤍Noel Hayase“Even though we’ve only just debuted, we’ve already been so blessed, invited to perform in Thailand and to spend New Year’s Eve in Taiwan. How have we been abroad so many times already? I want to keep the momentum going, spread my wings and aim for an even bigger stage! To all the international fans, just wait! We’ll keep bringing Harajuku to the rest of the world!”

Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI!   Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?“That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★”   Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?“The minacute CONCEPT STORE at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. I’m actually the store’s producer!★Not only did I design this shop, but I’m also selling cute accessories in collaboration with minacute!!”“The store feels like a big toy box and it’s filled with so many items that kids would love. Not only that–you can find popular brands from around the world and tons of sparkle too★We also hold workshops and events on weekends, so please come visit!♪★”   Q. What's your go-to Kawaii Spot?(The HARAJUKU Room)“If you’re looking to surround yourself with everything cute, it’s all about MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS! Each room is perfect for snapping photos–I’ve visited so many times for parties and photo shoots★There are four rooms: DOSKOI, HARAJUKU, ORIGAMI, and SAKURA, and each has a uniquely cute interior♪ If you’re planning on staying the night in Harajuku, be sure to check it out!”   Q. Where can the readers find cute clothes like the ones found in your wardrobe?(Skirt, Jacket: grapefruitmoon)“Check out grapefruitmoon, a vintage clothing store. They have so many neat items from the 60s to the 80s, and the designs and shapes are so unique. I’d recommend browsing their retro dresses and funky bottoms★Whether you’re into more monotone fashion or something more flashy and bright, you’ll find it!♪”   Q. Where do you buy your makeup?“ANNA SUI. I just can’t get enough of the brand’s vision, and the cosmetics are really one-of-a-kind. Honestly, I buy most of them–I especially love the perfumes. I love the scents and the designs are just too damn cute! It's my favorite collection.”   Q. To wrap things up, do you have a message to readers coming to Japan in the future?“I’m so glad that so many people are interested in Japan. I post so many colorful things on social media and always want to share Japanese culture with the world!♪There are so many interesting places that you can only find here, and fascinating activities that you have to visit to enjoy!I hope you’ll come enjoy our food, fashion, and sightseeing spots. And don’t forget to shop for some kawaii goods!★And I hope that once you do, you’ll love Japan even more!”  

PROFILE: MIOCHIN

Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekaiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0OgTwitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828

FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.   A while back in Report #12, we chatted with Karen Matsumoto, Yui Sakurai, and Luna Nakagawa about their makeup routine and tips. This time, we’re asking Noel Hayase, Suzuka Chinzei, Mana Manaka, and Amane Tsukiashi to share their thoughts on makeup!  

Tell us about your favorite lipsticks and what makes them special!

－Noel HayaseWhen I do my own makeup, I use b idol's Glossy Lip No. 08 and then layer PERIPERA's G Tint No. 06 on the inside. I’ve tried so many b idol lipsticks and I finally found one that matches my skin color perfectly. The tinted one was a gift but I love applying it on the inside of my lips–it gives this neat blood-colored look. It also doesn’t fade which is awesome.   －Suzuka ChinzeiI like THREE Lyrical Lipstick Bloom 11 RUN FREE. The texture is soft, the color doesn’t fade, and the color is really cute. When I found it, I was so thrilled–it was the exact color I was looking for. Seriously, it’s the best lipstick! It’s honestly all I use in fall and winter♡   －Mana ManakaJill Stuart’s lip oil!We call the people who support us Soragumi, and some of them gave us these gifts along with letters and flowers after our first solo concert. We were so happy☁️I love the colors and the cloth wrapping, but I feel like it would be such a waste if I ran out so I only carry them as good luck charms. (Laugh)   －Amane TsukiashiDIOR ADDICT 524 DIORETTEDIOR ADDICT Maximizer 103 Pure Gold (This one was a gift🙇‍♂️) 04 rom&nd Dewiful Water TintI have so many favorite lipsticks, but lately I've been into layering this shimmery gold maximizer with brown, orange, red, and darker lip shades. It’s really cute!🤍  

What do you use for your foundation?

－Noel HayaseI don’t put a lot on my skin, but I do apply a makeup primer called UV Idea XL Protection Tone-Up by La Roche-Posay first. After that, I use Dior Skin Forever Skin Correct Concealer to hide dark circles and redness. That’s all!   －Suzuka ChinzeiI moisturize with VT's CICA cream. Depending on the weather, I’ll apply Chant a Charm sunscreen followed by The Skin Minimalist by Decorte. I put on powder last. I use CANMAKE's Secret Beauty Powder or Elegance's La Poudre Haute Nuance. No foundation for me!   －Mana ManakaThese were also gifts, but I use Lunasol sunscreen, Dior primer, and foundation!The bottle is really beautiful, with the engraving…❤️I ran out of powder when I was in Thailand recently, so I'm just using what I bought locally!I don't know if it's because it's makeup from a really hot country, but it goes on so smoothly that it doesn't feel sticky at all, even with a mask on. I've been using it even after I got back to Japan!   －Amane TsukiashiCHANEL Base Hydra Luminere(I might upgrade.) CHANEL Fluid Foundation de CHANEL B10 Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer 0N SUQQU Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder clé de peau BEAUTÉ LE REHAUSSEUR D’ÉCLAT 105 (This was a gift! 🙇‍♂️)  

What do you typically do when it comes to skincare?

－Noel HayaseFirst, I use &honey cleansing balm to remove my makeup. When I heard that you could cleanse and wash your face at the same time, I gave it a try and it was amazing, so I’m never going back. After my bath and before putting on my makeup, I use a complete skin care set like La Roche-Posay's skincare set, which includes mist lotion, toner, and skin cream. It’s not cheap, but since I started using it my skin feels so incredible. Remember to always buy products depending on what kind of skin you have!   －Suzuka ChinzeiBefore makeup in the morning, I always cleanse with Bioderma. If I don’t feel moisturized enough, I apply a lotion emulsion. After cleansing at night, I use Bioderma again and then a toner emulsion. Sometimes I like doing face masks, and when I do, I use Mediplorer's CO2 Sheet Mask. It was recommended to me by someone with really beautiful skin and it’s amazing. I also use a Cell Cure. It’s crazy after how much dirt it removes. (Laugh)   －Mana ManakaI use lotion, then a face mask, then a serum!When I used the MediHeal mask that Luna recommended, I was so surprised at how good it was that I started buying and trying tons of different masks.I'm trying different things to see what fits and what doesn't, and lately I've been buying a lot of Korean masks.   －Amane TsukiashiI haven’t been doing much skincare, but I have been moisturizing a lot lately since my skin gets super dry. On some days I’ll do a face mask and use steam. On the day before an important photo shoot, I use my favorite CellCure 4t Plus.  

Oh no! You're running late! You only have time to apply one product! What part of your face will you focus on and why?

－Noel HayaseI’d only do eye makeup. In this day and age, everyone wears masks, so when you meet someone, you always make eye contact, right? Besides, if it's just eye makeup, I can get by without base makeup, and I can do the rest of my makeup whenever. (Laugh)   －Suzuka ChinzeiI just need sunscreen!Sunscreen is life. It’s so important!Starting when I was in junior high, my parents told me to wear sunscreen, so I can’t imagine not doing it now. No matter how busy I am, I put on sunscreen, even while walking to the station.I was on the track team in junior high and I’d put some on every 30 minutes. At the time I thought it was so annoying, but now I’m so glad my mom told me to do it. (Strangely enough, my mom doesn’t wear sunscreen at all.)   －Mana ManakaOn days when I actually have a whole day off or if I’m just at rehearsal, I don't wear makeup. I hide behind a mask and a hat! (Laugh)If I use anything at all, it's sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen in it.It covers my eyebrows and eyes so much that I can't see at all, but I do want to prevent spots!!! (Laugh)   －Amane TsukiashiEyes!I always think that wearing eye makeup makes a huge difference. I’d want to do my eyebrows too, but at least I can hide them with my bangs. Eyes it is!  

Virtual songstress Hatsune Miku will tour Japan in 2023! Hatsune Miku JAPAN TOUR 2023 ~THUNDERBOLT~ will begin in Nagoya in February 2023 and will travel to Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Sapporo, and other cities in Japan. Miku won’t be the only one performing–Rin and Len Kagamine, Luka Megurine, MEIKO, and KAITO will also appear! The online lottery for tickets will open on November 18 at noon and will end on December 5 at 23:59.   Featuring a Main Visual by Aki Akane and Theme Song by jon-YAKITORYThe main visual for the tour was drawn by popular illustrator Aki Akane and features a futuristic and extremely dynamic portrait of Hatsune Miku herself.   The event theme song, titled THUNDERBOLT, will be performed by music creator jon-YAKITORY. This will be released at a later date, so stay tuned!   Original merchandise will also be available during the tour, so keep an eye on the official website and Twitter page for more details as the tour’s start date gets closer!